The chargé d'affaires of Israel in Madrid, Dana Erlich, has emphasized that her country's solid relationship with Morocco does not imply relegating an "important and historical ally" like Spain. At the same time, she has argued that Pedro Sánchez's government is using Israel in the context of what happened in Ceuta as a "smokescreen."
During an informative breakfast of Nueva Economía Fórum, Erlich admitted her perplexity at the words of the president of the Government, when he pointed to Israel for supposedly spreading misinformation and rumors about Ceuta, and doing so without providing evidence to support it.
In her view, "Israel is being used as a smokescreen" to divert attention from other issues, especially the situation in Ceuta following the massive influx of migrants into the autonomous city.
The diplomatic representative wanted to emphasize that "Israel has no doubt about who has control in Ceuta" and recalled that the city was one of the first places she visited after taking up her position in Spain.
Erlich explained that the relationship with Morocco is particularly close, with historical roots linked to the presence of numerous Jews of Moroccan origin in Israel, and that it was boosted by the Abraham Accords signed in 2020. "But being an ally or having that connection does not mean we forget about other allies," she stressed.
The disagreement with the Spanish Government continues
In this line, she insisted that "Spain is an important ally for us historically and also for our future," beyond the fact that with the current government "we do not agree." "We do not agree with their policy, with their statements, with their initiatives," she reiterated, denouncing that there is an "approach against Israel" rather than simply a pro-Palestinian stance.
According to Erlich, the recognition of the Palestinian state and other decisions promoted by the government have not "improved or changed the lives of Palestinians, Israelis, or the region."
After recalling that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu withdrew the ambassador in Madrid in 2024, she pointed out that, to "return to normalcy with the current government," Israel "needs a change of narrative, of policy, of statements."
In her opinion, "Spain can again be that bridge, as it was in the years of President (José María) Aznar," who presented her at the event, "with visits, with dialogues, with high-level meetings and an open and honest conversation."